Positive energyA conference on philanthropy and volunteerism
Throughout human history, there have always been individuals, who–without being coerced and without being paid–have gone out of their way to assist others around them who were in some kind of need. This is volunteerism, which when it concerns very wealthy people, is often called philanthropy. In traditional Africa there are many instances of this type of kindness to the needy. Some proverbs attest to this practice, as for instance in: “Cooked food is not for sale,” or “He who humiliates a poor person does not prevent the day from dawning.” The application of such proverbs is found in the case of people who did not have land. They were accommodated as tenants-at-will by those who did have land. There were also those who did not own animals. They would be invited to herd the flocks of stock owners and after some time they came to earn an animal of their own. In modern times, this type of individual “volunteerism” has in many cases been institutionalized and voluntary organizations have often replaced assistance by individuals. This is an advantage in that free services by an organization can serve more people with greater efficiency. The onset of colonialism brought with it religious influence on volunteerism, with missionaries building schools and hospitals, and providing other services. Service clubs, such as Rotary, LIONS, Association of Roundtables in Eastern Africa (ARTEA) and Giants also emerged as part of the volunteer movement. In independent Kenya, the realization that the government could not provide all services to all citizens at all times, mobilized citizens to take a more active role in the provision of needed services. Thus the Harambee movement was born. The colonial rulers had already introduced the Cooperative movement: it encouraged and enhanced citizen participation in development. In more recent years various other types of volunteerism and philanthropy have emerged, such as residents' associations, and self-help groups that bring together individuals interested in and dedicated to promoting social development and assisting the underprivileged. Some professional associations also at times take on the additional task of helping the less fortunate. The 1980s saw an increase in the number of non-governmental organizations. NGOs had various origins: they grew out of charity initiatives set up to facilitate solidarity; ethnic welfare associations established to mediate between traditional institutions and the state, as well as out of professional and vocational bodies that addressed problems of the elite. There is no doubt that volunteerism and philanthropy have contributed to social development of our society. However, the impact of volunteerism and philanthropy in East Africa is not quantified in economic terms by the governments of the respective countries. Therefore, the input of volunteers and philanthropists in the provision of services and the development of infrastructure is not factored into national planning and budgeting. Yet, this sub-sector mobilizes vast capital and human resources to meet their communities' basic needs. Unfortunately, the Harambee spirit has been compromised. In many harambees people are being forced to give money rather than their contribution being voluntary. They are, moreover, highly politicized and large amounts of funds are often unaccounted for. The prevalent attitude today is that giving is for those with great wealth. It is necessary therefore to re-establish traditional acts of kindness, as well as to highlight the fact that giving is not just for the very rich. There are non-monetary forms of giving and sharing: volunteerism and philanthropy need not involve the exchange of cash. An act of kindness need not cost much, volunteers and philanthropists usually state that people should “feel good” about “doing good” for others. In order to be effective, the work of non-governmental organizations–significant in the role they play to supplement government efforts–depends on the spirit of volunteerism at the local level. In view of this, Ufadhili, the Centre for Philanthropy and Social Responsibility, in partnership with the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, the Association of Roundtables in East Africa, Giants, Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization, Ungana, South to South Volunteering, and the Young Muslims Association is organizing a one and a half day regional Conference on Philanthropy and Volunteerism. (See following details.) First East African Conference on Philanthropy and VolunteerismTheme“Our development, our resources, our future”.Overall ObjectiveTo acknowledge, celebrate, and raise awareness on the good deeds of individuals and organizations in social development.Other Objectives
Activities
Date & Venue7th-9th June 2002, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Thika Road, Nairobi, Kenya.For more information about the conference (which will be ongoing by the time this journal is published) contact:
Sonia Rasugu
 A JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS CONCERN Published Quarterly by DR. GERALD J. WANJOHI Likoni Lane - P .O. Box 32440 - Nairobi - Kenya Telephone: 254.2.712632/311674/312822 The Online publishing of WAJIBU is by Koinonia Media Centre. GO TO WAJIBU HOMEPAGE |